Tubular Joint

Abstract

The invention concerns a tubular joint comprising an interlocking tip ( 4 ) provided with an inner groove ( 18 ) for receiving a smooth tip ( 6 ) and a sealing liner ( 8 ) arranged in the inner groove ( 18 ). It also comprises anti-extrusion means ( 10 ) adjacent the sealing liner ( 8 ) for countering an extrusion of the sealing liner ( 8 ) when the latter is subjected to the pressure of a fluid circulating in the tubular joint. The invention is applicable to drinking water distribution pipes.

1 . Tubular joint, of the type comprising
 an interlocking tip ( 4 ) of a first pipe element, equipped with an inner groove ( 18 ) and suitable to receive a smooth tip ( 6 ) of a second pipe element and,   a sealing liner ( 8 ) arranged in the inner groove ( 18 ),   the tubular joint comprising anti-extrusion means ( 10 ,  72 ) adjacent to the sealing liner ( 8 ) and suitable for opposing extrusion of the sealing liner ( 8 ) when said liner is subjected to the pressure of a fluid circulating in the pipe elements,   characterised in that it comprises at least one locking element ( 36 ) arranged adjacent to the anti-extrusion means ( 10 ,  72 ), on the side opposite the sealing liner ( 8 ).   
   
   
       2 . Tubular joint according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion means comprise an anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ). 
   
   
       3 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ) is open and comprises two end portions ( 53 A,  53 B) which, in the assembled state in the inner groove ( 18 ), overlap circumferentially. 
   
   
       4 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ) is fixed to the sealing liner ( 8 ). 
   
   
       5 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ) is applied freely on the sealing liner ( 8 ). 
   
   
       6 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion means comprise at least two anti-extrusion elements ( 72 ) in the form of a ring segment. 
   
   
       7 . Tubular joint according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion elements ( 72 ) are integral with the anti-extrusion ring  10 . 
   
   
       8 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that at least one locking element ( 36 ) is fixed to the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ). 
   
   
       9 . Tubular joint according to  claim 8 , characterised in that at least one of the locking elements ( 36 ) is fixed releasably to the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ). 
   
   
       10 . Tubular joint according to  claim 9 , characterised in that the locking element ( 36 ) is fixed by complementarity of form, in particular by latching, to the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ). 
   
   
       11 . Tubular joint according to  claim 6 , characterised in that the or each locking element ( 36 ) is inserted in an interstice ( 73 ) formed by the anti-extrusion elements ( 72 ), and in that the outer surfaces of at least one locking element ( 36 ) and at least one of the anti-extrusion elements ( 72 ) are flush. 
   
   
       12 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ) comprises thrust means ( 70 ) suitable for stressing the or each locking element ( 36 ) axially away from the sealing liner ( 8 ). 
   
   
       13 . Tubular joint according to  claim 12 , characterised in that the thrust means comprise a thrust projection ( 70 ) integral with the anti-extrusion ring ( 10 ). 
   
   
       14 . Tubular joint according to  claim 2 , characterised in that the sealing liner ( 8 ) comprises thrust means, in particular a flexible lip ( 24 ) integral with the sealing liner ( 8 ), suitable for stressing the or each locking element ( 36 ) axially away from the sealing liner ( 8 ). 
   
   
       15 . Tubular joint according to  claim 13 , characterised in that the thrust means ( 70 ,  24 ) have a free end turned radially outwards or inwards. 
   
   
       16 . Tubular joint according to  claim 1 , characterised in that it comprises a smooth tip ( 6 ) inserted in the interlocking tip ( 4 ), the sealing liner ( 8 ) being compressed radially between the smooth tip ( 6 ) and the interlocking tip ( 4 ).